American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which is a potential treatment for painful bone metastases in breast cancer patients?

1. Hormonal therapy

2. Radiation therapy

3. Targeted therapy

4. Surgery

The correct answer is: Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is recognized as a potential treatment for painful bone metastases, particularly in patients with breast cancer. This therapeutic approach is effective in alleviating pain associated with metastatic lesions due to its ability to target specific areas of the bone and decrease inflammation and tumor burden in those regions. By delivering targeted radiation doses to the affected areas, this treatment can effectively relieve pain, improve quality of life, and potentially reduce the need for stronger analgesics. The pain relief from radiation can often be noticeable within days to weeks after treatment, making it a valuable option for managing skeletal-related pain in patients with advanced breast cancer. While hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and surgery may play roles in the broader management of breast cancer, they do not specifically address the immediate need for pain relief associated with bone metastases. Hormonal therapy is primarily focused on hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, while targeted therapies, like HER2 inhibitors, address specific cancer characteristics. Surgery is generally reserved for cases where there is a risk of fracture or for palliative interventions rather than first-line management for pain relief in bone metastases.